Diagnostic Imaging

While "plain" X-rays of an arm or leg may seem basic, it takes skill, experience and education to take these images. 

• Extremity X-rays. These are among the most frequent X-ray studies performed. The hand, wrist, arm, elbow or shoulder of the upper extremity or the foot, ankle, leg, knee or hip of the lower extremity may be X-rayed to look for fractures or other injuries or conditions.
• Chest X-rays. Chest X-rays are used check the lungs, heart or ribs for disease or injury.
• GI Series. The upper gastrointestinal (GI) series uses X-rays to diagnose problems in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). It may also be used to examine the small intestine. The upper GI series can show a blockage, abnormal growth, ulcer, or a problem with the way an organ is working. Related procedures performed at Valley include GI with Air Contrast Series, GI/Small Bowel with Air Contrast Series, and GI/Small Bowel Series.
• Barium Enema. The barium enema, or colon X-ray, is used to detect changes or abnormalities in your colon. During the exam, liquid barium, and in some cases air, is inserted into your colon through the rectum. This is done to improve the view of your colon by an X-ray. This test allows your doctor to examine your colon for: ulcers, narrowed areas (strictures), polyps, small pouches in the wall (diverticula), cancer, or other abnormalities.
• Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP). This X-ray allows your doctor to see an image of your kidneys and lower urinary tract, including your bladder. You'll be given an injection of a special dye (contrast agent) through a vein in your arm. Your bloodstream delivers the dye to your kidneys and ureters as well as to your bladder. The contrast agent makes it easier for your doctor to see any abnormalities or tumors on a series of X-rays.

Computed tomography (CT, CT scan, CAT scan) is an X-ray technique that produces more detailed images of your internal organs and structures than do conventional X-ray studies. Using CT, your doctor can distinguish between adjacent tissues of similar composition that are indistinct on conventional X-ray images. For example, a plain X-ray of your abdomen will show bones and, at best, subtle outlines of the liver, stomach, intestines, kidney and spleen. But a CT scan reveals with clarity and precision not only these structures but also the pancreas, adrenal glands, ureters and blood vessels. 

• CereTom CT Scanner. Valley is one of the few hospitals in the area to have this bedside CT technology. It can be difficult and very time-consuming to transport a critically ill patient to the radiology department for a scan. With the CereTom scanner, moving the patient is no longer necessary in many instances.

PET is used in the diagnosis and staging of some cancers, as well in the diagnosis of heart disease, Alzheimer's disease and other neurological diseases. Unlike MRIs and CT scans, which produce still images of physical structures in the body, PET is different because it tracks actual metabolic processes and body functions, which dramatically distinguish cancerous and other diseased tissue from normal functioning cells. PET is often combined with CT to get more accurate images in certain cases.

MRI is a technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create cross-sectional images of your head and body. Your physician can use these detailed, clear images to identify and diagnose a wide range of conditions. MRI procedures are performed at the Outpatient MRI Center at the Luckow Pavilion in Paramus, and include:

• Cardiac MRI
• Breast MRI
• MRI-Guided Breast Biopsy

This technology, also called sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to form images on a small monitor. A transducer produces these waves (pulses) of sound and sends them into the area that's being imaged.

Nuclear medicine imaging uses small amounts of radioactive material (called a tracer), a special camera and a computer to create images of the inside of your body. Nuclear imaging is used when other types of radiology procedures can't provide the specific information needed to diagnose a condition.

Valley's Advanced Cardiac Imaging Program provides state-of-the-art heart imaging services, including:

• Cardiac CT
• Cardiac MRI
• Echocardiography
• Nuclear Imaging (SPECT, PET/CT)

Mammography is an X-ray of the breasts performed to detect breast lumps when they are too small to be felt. These small lumps can be the first indicator of early-stage breast cancer. Learn more about mammography services at Valley.

This procedure measures the density (mass) of your bones. Other names for this test include bone density test and bone mineral density (BMD) test. It is often used to diagnose osteoporosis.